Processing unit, processing method, program, and image formation system

Abstract

To provide a processing unit, a processing method, a program, and an image formation system that can suppress trouble due to a low coverage, and hardly gets disadvantageous with respect to costs.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an image data processing unit 20 for print data to be used for printing, which comprises a coverage rate calculation unit 26a which calculates the coverage rate of the print data, and a refreshing image processing unit 26c which generates an image for toner refreshment for the print data based upon the calculation result of the coverage rate. The refreshing image processing unit 26c generates the image for toner refreshment in a foil-pressed region on which foil processing is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a processing method, a program, and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] In printing machines that eject paper without cutting it off, such as printers that support roll paper, if an original with a low coverage rate (using a small amount of toner) is printed at a distance greater than a certain level, the toner in the developer will deteriorate, resulting in image defects such as toner spillage and fogging. To address this problem, a method is generally known in which a band-shaped image for toner refreshing is printed on the edge of the paper to increase the amount of toner consumed. However, for example, when printing color patches for adjusting image quality or when printing print data using the full width of the paper, the method of printing an image for toner refreshing on the edge of the paper cannot be used.

[0003] In relation to this, a technique has been proposed in which execution of a print job is temporarily suspended and an image pattern called a refresh band is printed to forcibly consume toner and replace the toner in the developer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The technology described in Patent Document 1 determines whether or not it is necessary to create an image pattern to consume toner based on the coverage of the image included in the print job, and if it is determined that it is necessary, calculates the transport distance of the continuous paper and creates an image pattern according to the calculated transport distance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-096991 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is disadvantageous in terms of cost because it generates wasted print areas that are not related to the print job.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a processing device, processing method, program, and image forming system that can suppress defects caused by low coverage and are less likely to be disadvantageous in terms of cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0008] (1) A processing device for printing data used for printing, comprising: a coverage rate calculation unit that calculates a coverage rate of the printing data; and a refresh image processing unit that generates an image for toner refreshing in the printing data based on the calculation result of the coverage rate, wherein the refresh image processing unit generates the image for toner refreshing within a foil stamping area where foil processing is applied.

[0009] (2) The processing device according to (1) above, wherein the refresh image processing section uniformly allocates the toner refresh area for each color of toner.

[0010] (3) The processing device according to (1) above, wherein the image processing unit for refreshment allocates a region for toner refreshment using the toner of the color having the low coverage rate widely relative to other colors.

[0011] (4) The processing device according to (1) above, wherein the refresh image processing unit allocates a reduced area obtained by reducing the foil stamping area as the toner refresh image.

[0012] (5) The processing device according to (1) above, wherein the refresh image processing section calculates an optimal amount of toner used and allocates a toner refresh area based on the calculation result.

[0013] (6) The processing device according to (1) above, wherein the image processing unit for refreshment adjusts the amount of toner in the image for toner refreshment so that the heights of the images for toner refreshment are not uneven due to unevenness in the amount of toner.

[0014] (7) A method for processing print data used for printing, comprising: a coverage rate calculation step for calculating a coverage rate of the print data; and an image processing step for refreshing, which generates an image for toner refreshing in the print data based on a result of the calculation of the coverage rate, wherein in the image processing step for refreshing, the image for toner refreshing is generated within a foil stamping area where foil processing is applied.

[0015] (8) A program for causing a computer to execute the processing method of (7) above.

[0016] (9) An image forming system that performs foil processing after printing, comprising: a printing device that prints an image on a medium based on print data; a foil processing device that processes foil on the printed medium based on foil data; and a processing device that processes the print data and the foil data, wherein the processing device has a coverage rate calculation unit that calculates a coverage rate of the print data; a refresh image processing unit that generates an image for toner refreshing in the print data based on the calculation result of the coverage rate; and a foil stamping area extraction unit that extracts a foil stamping area to which the foil processing is applied from the foil data, wherein the refresh image processing unit generates the image for toner refreshing within the foil stamping area, Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, problems caused by low coverage can be suppressed, and there is little disadvantage in terms of cost. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of an image data processing device and a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 13 is an image of print data. [Figure 4] This is an image of the foil data. [Diagram 5] 13 is an image of print data to which a toner refreshing image has been added. [Figure 6] 1 is an image of the final printed matter, with the foil image of a portion of the print cut out to show the toner refreshing image. [Figure 7] 13 is an image of print data to which a toner refreshing image has been added. [Figure 8] 13 is an image of print data to which a toner refreshing image has been added. [Figure 9] 13 is an image of print data to which a toner refreshing image has been added. [Figure 10] 13 is an image of print data to which a toner refreshing image has been added. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing steps of a processing method of the image data processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting an image for toner refreshing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each figure is merely a schematic illustration to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to only the illustrated examples. In addition, in each figure, common components or similar components are given the same reference numerals, and their overlapping explanations are omitted. Also, detailed explanations of known functions that are not directly related to the present invention may be omitted.

[0020] [Outline of the embodiment] In recent years, many printed materials are added with gold or silver foil in post-processing to increase added value. This foil processing is particularly common in label printing, which is often used in printing on roll paper. The areas where gold or silver foil is placed (foil stamping areas) are hidden under the foil, so no matter what toner is used to print, the final printed product is not affected. Therefore, we focus on the areas where gold or silver foil is placed (foil stamping areas) and print these areas with a toner of a color with a low coverage rate.

[0021] <Configuration of image forming system according to embodiment> 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system 1 according to a first embodiment. The image forming system 1 includes an image data creation device 10, an image data processing device 20, a printing device 30, and a foil processing device 40. A final printed matter 80 printed by the image forming system 1 includes a printed image formed by the printing device 30 and a foil image formed by the foil processing device 40.

[0022] (Image data creation device) The image data creation device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for creating data (image data) related to images (printed images and foil images) formed by the image forming system 1. The image data creation device 10 creates print data 50, which is image data related to the printed images, and foil data 60, which is image data related to the foil images. The file formats of the print data 50 and the foil data 60 are not particularly limited. An example of the print data 50 is Portable Document Format (PDF) data, and an example of the foil data 60 is Tag Image File Format (TIFF) data. The foil data 60 is data in a file format that can include, for example, information such as the color and type of foil in addition to image data.

[0023] The image data creation device 10 may be a terminal device such as a general computer, and preferably has a communication function. The image data creation device 10 transmits the created image data (print data 50 and foil data 60) to the image data processing device 20. The image data creation device 10 does not need to be a component of the image forming system 1, and may be an external device.

[0024] (Image data processing device) The image data processing device 20 processes the print data 50 and foil data 60 sent from the image data creation device 10, and sends the processed data to the printing device 30 and the foil processing device 40. For example, the image data processing device 20 processes the print data 50 with a RIP (Raster Image Processor) to create RIP-processed print data 50a, and sends the print data 50a to the printing device 30. The image data processing device 20 also processes the foil data 60 with a RIP to create RIP-processed foil data 60a, and sends the foil data 60a to the foil processing device 40. The image data processing device 20 may also function as the image data creation device 10 described above, or may be a part of the printing device 30 described next. The image data processing device 20 also generates image data for toner refresh in the print data 50 based on the coverage rate. The image data for toner refresh is data related to an image for toner refresh for forcibly consuming toner. The process related to the image for toner refresh will be described later.

[0025] (Printing device) The printing device 30 performs printing based on the RIP-processed print data 50a sent from the image data processing device 20, and forms a print image on a medium. The shape, type, material, etc. of the medium on which the print image is formed are not limited. In this embodiment, roll paper is assumed as the medium on which the print image is formed. Furthermore, the printing method of the printing device 30 is not limited. In this embodiment, a color printing device that forms a full-color image is assumed. The printed matter 70 printed by the printing device 30 is passed to the foil processing device 40. Note that, when image data for toner refreshing has been added to the print data 50, the printing device 30 prints an image for toner refreshing on the medium.

[0026] (Foil processing equipment) The foil processing device 40 performs foil processing based on the RIP-processed foil data 60a sent from the image data processing device 20. In this embodiment, the foil processing device 40 further forms a foil image on a color image-printed printed matter 70 on which a color print image has been formed by the printing device 30. This creates a final printed matter 80 on which a color print image and a gold, silver, or other foil image have been formed.

[0027] The configuration of the image data processing device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 (and FIG. 1 as appropriate). FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram (including hardware configuration) of the image data processing device 20 and the printing device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the image data processing device 20 includes, as hardware configuration, an operation display unit 21, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a memory 23 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a HDD (hard disk drive) 24, and an external I / F (Interface) 25. The image data processing device 20 may be a terminal device such as a general computer. The image data processing device 20 receives print data 50 and foil data 60 from the image data creation device 10 via the external I / F 25.

[0028] Fig. 3 is an image of print data 50. The print data 50 shown in Fig. 3 has a plurality of objects 51. The objects 51 are arranged vertically and horizontally, forming an overall matrix structure of 4 rows and 3 columns. Each object 51 is composed of a circular figure 52 and a character string 53 arranged within the figure 52. An arbitrary color is associated with the figure 52 and the character string 53.

[0029] FIG. 4 is an image of foil data 60. The foil data 60 shown in FIG. 4 has a plurality of objects 61. Each object 61 has a foil stamping area 62 and a blank area 63 which is a blank portion of the foil stamping area 62. The foil stamping area 62 is an area where gold, silver or other foil is placed, and is drawn in, for example, black (K100%). In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the shape and size of the foil stamping area 62 correspond to the figure 52 of the object 51 of the print data 50. The blank area 63 corresponds to the character string 53.

[0030] 2, the image data processing device 20 has a coverage rate calculation unit 26a, a stamping area extraction unit 26b, a refresh image processing unit 26c, a print data creation unit 26d, and a foil data creation unit 26e as functions realized by execution of a program by the CPU 22. Note that the programs for realizing each of these functions may be, for example, stored in the memory 23, or loaded from an external device to the memory 23 or the HDD 24 and stored therein.

[0031] (Coverage rate calculation section) The coverage rate calculation unit 26a calculates the coverage rate of the print data 50 transmitted from the image data creation device 10. The coverage rate is, for example, a ratio calculated from the amount of toner actually consumed, assuming that the amount of toner consumed when the entire predetermined range is printed in one color is 100%. The coverage rate calculation unit 26a calculates the coverage rate of each color (CMYK).

[0032] (Foiling area extraction section) The stamping area extraction unit 26b determines whether or not the image data sent from the image data creation device 10 includes foil data 60 (i.e., whether or not the image data creation device 10 sends foil data 60 in addition to the print data 50). If the image data includes foil data 60, the stamping area extraction unit 26b extracts the stamping area 62 (see FIG. 4).

[0033] (Image processing unit for refresh) Based on the calculation result of the coverage rate, the image processing unit for refresh 26c generates an image for toner refresh in the print data 50. For example, when the image processing unit for refresh 26c determines that the coverage rate is low and printing of an image for toner refresh is necessary, the image processing unit for refresh adds an image for toner refresh of each color (CMYK) to the foil stamping area 62 where foil processing is performed.

[0034] An example of the process of the image processing unit 26c for refreshment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is an image of the print data 150 to which the image 54 for toner refreshment is added. The print data 150 shown in FIG. 5 is obtained by adding the image 54 for toner refreshment to the print data 50 shown in FIG. 3. The image 54 for toner refreshment is generated in the figure 52 (i.e., the foil stamping area 62 (see FIG. 4)). Here, it is assumed that the image 54 for toner refreshment of each color (CMYK) is evenly printed. The object 151 arranged in the top row has a toner refreshment image 54C of "C100%" generated. The object 151 arranged in the second row from the top has a toner refreshment image 54M of "M100%" generated. The object 151 arranged in the third row from the top has a toner refreshment image 54Y of "Y100%" generated. The object 151 arranged in the bottom row has a toner refreshment image 54K of "K100%" generated. As a result, the total area of ​​the toner refresh image 54 for each color (CMYK) is approximately the same. In other words, in Fig. 5, the toner refresh area for each color (CMYK) is evenly allocated to the foil stamping area 62 (see Fig. 4).

[0035] (Print data creation section) The print data creation unit 26d creates RIP-processed print data 50a by RIP-processing the print data 50. In the case of print data 150 to which an image for toner refreshing 54 has been added, as shown in Fig. 5, the print data creation unit 26d creates print data 50a including the image for toner refreshing 54. The created print data 50a is sent to the printing device 30.

[0036] (Foil Data Creation Department) The foil data creation unit 26e creates RIP-processed foil data 60a (see FIG. 1) by RIP-processing the foil data 60. The created foil data 60a is sent to the foil processing device 40.

[0037] The configuration of the printing device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 (and Fig. 1 as appropriate). As shown in Fig. 2, the printing device 30 includes, as its hardware configuration, an operation display unit 31, a CPU 32, a memory 33 such as RAM or ROM, a HDD 34, and an external I / F 35. The printing device 30 also includes a paper feed unit 36, a printing unit 37, and a paper discharge unit 38. The printing unit 37 forms a full-color image using, for example, toners of each color (CMYK).

[0038] Fig. 6 is an image of a printed matter 80 (see Fig. 1) that is finally printed by the image forming system 1. The printed matter 80 shown in Fig. 6 has a plurality of objects 81. Each object 81 has a printed image 82 printed by the printing device 30 and a foil image 83 formed by the foil processing device 40. The printed image 82 includes an image for toner refreshing 84 that is covered by the foil image 83 and cannot be seen. Fig. 6 shows the image for toner refreshing 84 that is formed by cutting out the foil image 83 of a part of the object 81 and hiding it under the foil image 83.

[0039] So far, a case has been described in which the toner refresh area using toner of each color (CMYK) is evenly allocated to the foil stamping area 62 (see FIG. 4). Next, another method of allocating the toner refresh area will be described.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a case where a large toner refresh area is assigned to a toner of a color with a low coverage rate. FIG. 7 shows an image of print data 250 to which a toner refresh image 54 is added. Each object 251 shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the object 151 shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the coverage rate of the color (C) is lower than the coverage rates of the other colors (MYK), and more images 54C for toner refresh of the color (C) are generated for the foil stamping area 62 than images 54M, 54Y, and 54K for toner refresh of the colors (MYK). Specifically, the toner refresh image 54C of "C100%" is generated for the object 251 arranged in the topmost and second-highest rows. Also, the toner refresh image 54M of "M100%" is generated for the object 251 arranged in the two lower positions in the leftmost column. Moreover, for the objects 251 arranged in two positions on the bottom side of the center column, a toner refresh image 54Y of "Y100%" is generated. For the objects 251 arranged in two positions on the bottom side of the rightmost column, a toner refresh image 54K of "K100%" is generated. That is, in Fig. 7, the toner refresh area by the toner of each color (MYK) is half that of the toner refresh area by the toner of color (C). In other words, the toner refresh area by the toner of color (C) with a low coverage rate is allocated widely compared to the other colors (MYK).

[0041] FIG. 8 shows a case where the toner refresh image 54 is drawn by reducing it with respect to the foil stamping area 62 in consideration of the case where the foil processing is misaligned. FIG. 8 shows an image of the print data 350 to which the toner refresh image 54 is added. In the object 351 shown in FIG. 8, the size of the toner refresh image 54 is smaller than the size of the figure 52 (i.e., the foil stamping area 62), and a gap 55 exists between the figure 52 and the toner refresh image 54. The foil stamping area 62 and the toner refresh image 54 preferably have the same shape, and only the scale is changed. The toner refresh image 54 shown in FIG. 8 has the same circular shape as the foil stamping area 62, and their centers are aligned (the outer shape of the toner refresh image 54 and the outer shape of the foil stamping area 62 are concentric circles). The appropriate scale is determined, for example, taking into consideration the processing accuracy of the foil processing device 40, and the size of the toner refresh image 54 is set to, for example, 70% to 95% when the size of the foil stamping area 62 is set to 100%.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a case where an optimal toner usage amount is calculated to suppress unnecessary toner consumption. FIG. 9 shows an image of print data 450 to which a toner refresh image 54 is added. An object 451 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to an object 151 shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 9, it is assumed that, as a result of calculating the optimal toner usage amount, it is determined that there is no need to draw a toner refresh image 54 in all of the foil stamping areas 62 (see FIG. 4), and therefore, the toner refresh image 54 is not drawn in the left and right columns, but is drawn only in the center column. As a result, compared to the case shown in FIG. 5, the toner refresh area is one-third, and toner consumption can be suppressed to one-third.

[0043] Fig. 10 shows a case where consideration is given to preventing uneven heights due to uneven toner amounts. Fig. 10 is an image of print data 550 to which a toner refresh image 554 has been added. In Fig. 9, objects 451 for which a toner refresh image 54 has been generated are mixed with objects 51 for which no toner refresh image 54 has been generated, resulting in uneven heights due to the amount of toner. In Fig. 10, toner refresh images 554 have been generated for all objects 551 with "C30%", "M30%", "Y30%" and "K30%", so the heights are not uneven, and the height of the toner refresh area is lower than in the case shown in Fig. 5.

[0044] <Operation of Image Forming System According to the Embodiment> 11 (and also refer to FIGS. 1 to 10 as appropriate), a description will be given of the processing of the image data processing device 20 constituting the image forming system 1. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing steps of a processing method of the image data processing device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0045] The image data processing device 20 receives the print data 50 from the image data creation device 10 (step S1). In this case, the image data processing device 20 checks whether or not there is foil data 60 corresponding to the received print data 50 (step S2). If the foil data 60 does not exist ("No" in step S2), the print data creation unit 26d performs RIP processing on the print data 50 to create RIP-processed print data 50a, and the printer 30 prints based on the print data 50a (step S5). That is, in this case, the toner refreshing image 54 is not added to the print data 50.

[0046] On the other hand, if the foil data 60 exists ("Yes" in step S2), the coverage rate calculation unit 26a calculates the coverage rate of the print data 50 and determines whether the calculated coverage rate is below the threshold value (step S3). The coverage rate calculation unit 26a calculates the coverage rate of each color (CMYK), for example, and determines whether the coverage rate of at least any color is below the threshold value.

[0047] If the coverage rate is not below the threshold value ("No" in step S3), the print data creation unit 26d performs RIP processing on the print data 50 to create RIP-processed print data 50a, and the printer 30 prints based on the print data 50a (step S5). That is, in this case, the toner refreshing image 54 is not added to the print data 50.

[0048] On the other hand, if the coverage rate is below the threshold ("Yes" in step S3), the foil data 60 is combined with the print data 50, and a toner refreshing image 54 (see FIG. 5) for each color (CMYK) is generated in the area to be foiled (foil stamping area 62) (step S4). Next, the print data creation unit 26d performs RIP processing on the print data 150 (see FIG. 5) to which the toner refreshing image 54 has been added, to create RIP-processed print data 50a, and the printing device 30 prints based on the print data 50a (step S5). The foil processing device 40 then performs foil processing on the printed matter 70, completing the final printed matter 80 shown in FIG. 6.

[0049] Next, a method for setting the image 54 for toner refreshing will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is an example of a setting screen for setting the image 54 for toner refreshing. The setting screen shown in Fig. 12 is displayed, for example, on the operation display unit 21 of the image data processing device 20 or the operation display unit 31 of the printing device 30. Using the setting screen shown in Fig. 12, it is possible to set the threshold value for the coverage rate of each color (CMYK). It is also possible to set the image 54 for toner refreshing to be printed in a reduced size relative to the foil stamping area 62 (see Fig. 8). It is also possible to set the amount of toner for each object to be constant (see Fig. 10).

[0050] The image forming system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as above provides the following advantageous effects. That is, the image forming system 1 according to this embodiment generates the toner refreshing image 54 in the area (foil stamping area 62) where gold, silver, or other foil is placed. Therefore, no unnecessary printing area that is not related to the print job is generated, so there is no disadvantage in terms of cost. In addition, since this foil stamping area 62 is hidden under the foil, it does not affect the final printed matter 80 (see FIG. 6).

[0051] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and can be appropriately modified and implemented. In the embodiment, the toner refresh image 54 is generated using a single color toner, but the toner refresh image 54 may be generated using toners of multiple colors. For example, the toner refresh image 54 may be generated by mixing multiple toners such as color (C+M200%). [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Image forming system 10 Image data creation device 20 Image data processing device (processing device) 30 Printing device 40 Foil processing equipment 21,31 Operation display section 22,32 CPU 23,33 Memory 24,34 HDD 25,35 External I / F 26a Coverage rate calculation section 26b Foil stamping area extraction section 26c Refresh image processing unit 26d Printing Data Creation Department 26e Foil Data Creation Department 36 Paper feed section 37 Printing Department 38 Paper output section

Claims

1. A processing device for processing print data used for printing, a coverage rate calculation unit that calculates a coverage rate of the print data; a refresh image processing unit that generates an image for toner refresh in the print data based on a calculation result of the coverage rate, the refresh image processing unit generates the toner refresh image within a foil stamping area where foil processing is performed; A processing device comprising:

2. the refresh image processing unit evenly allocates a toner refresh area using toner of each color; The processing device of claim 1 .

3. the refresh image processing unit allocates a toner refresh area using the toner of the color having the low coverage rate broadly relative to other colors; The processing device of claim 1 .

4. the refresh image processing unit allocates a reduced area obtained by reducing the foil stamping area as the toner refresh image; The processing device of claim 1 .

5. the refresh image processing unit calculates an optimal toner usage amount, and allocates a toner refresh area based on the calculation result; The processing device of claim 1 .

6. the refreshment image processing unit adjusts the toner amount of the toner refreshment image so that the heights of the toner refreshment images are not uneven due to unevenness in the toner amount; The processing device of claim 1 .

7. A method for processing print data used for printing, comprising the steps of: a coverage rate calculation step of calculating a coverage rate of the print data; and a refresh image processing step of generating a toner refresh image in the print data based on the calculation result of the coverage rate, In the refreshing image processing step, the toner refreshing image is generated in a foil stamping area where foil processing is performed. A processing method comprising:

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the processing method according to claim 7.

9. 1. An image forming system that performs post-printing foil processing, comprising: a printing device that prints an image on a medium based on print data; a foil processing device that processes foil onto the printed medium based on the foil data; a processing device for processing the printing data and the foil data; The processing device includes: a coverage rate calculation unit that calculates a coverage rate of the print data; a refresh image processing unit that generates an image for toner refresh in the print data based on a result of the calculation of the coverage rate; a stamping area extraction unit that extracts a stamping area to be subjected to the foil processing from the foil data; the refresh image processing unit generates the toner refresh image within the stamping area; 1. An image forming system comprising:

Images